Added to this stability and control module is a subroutine that determines one of the three design variables, for a stable vectored thrust aircraft. A modified canard design verified the accuracy of the module for canard configurations. Comparisons of production aircraft with numerical models show good accuracy for control surface sizing. Included in the horizontal control surface analysis are: downwash effects on an aft tail, upwash effects on a forward canard, and effects due to flight in close proximity to the ground. The stability of the aircraft is determined from a summation of forces about the center of gravity during different phases of the aircraft's flight. The tail size needed to rotate during takeoff is calculated from a summation of forces about the main landing gear of the aircraft. The control surface size is determined by first calculating the size needed to rotate the aircraft during takeoff, and, second, by determining if the calculated size is large enough to maintain stability of the aircraft throughout any specified mission. A computer module used to calculate the horizontal control surface size of a conceptual aircraft design The creation of a computer module used to calculate the size of the horizontal control surfaces of a conceptual aircraft design is discussed.

What is control surface